Mining

Resource Development Group has added a fourth arm to its engineering and contracting business after exercising an option to acquire Ecologia Environmental Consultants.

Mining giant Rio Tinto's drive to recruit up to 6,000 workers must target locals first and include training opportunities for young Australians, federal Skills Minister Chris Evans says.

Atlas Iron has mapped out its expansion ambitions, detailing $630 million in additional capital expenditure as it ramps up its production capacity in the Pilbara to 12 million tonnes per year by De

Shares in industrial services company Spotless have been suspended from trading pending an announcement about its takeover talks with a private equity firm.

Atlas Iron says it remains on track to meet its full year production target of 5.5 million to 5.7 million tonnes (Mt).

OZ Minerals lifted its production of gold and copper in the first three months of the year but costs were higher because of heavy rains.

The Federal Court has imposed the maximum civil penalty of $242,000 on a company that lost a worker in the Pilbara in 2009.

Perth-based oil and gas explorer Tap Oil is entering the shale gas arena, after signing an agreement with privately-owned Rusa Resources to explore acreage in the onshore Carnarvon Basin.

Africa-focused uranium miner Paladin Energy says it has significantly strengthened its balance sheet after a convertible bond issue that raised $US274 million ($A266.5 million) from investors.

Andrew Forrest has thrown his support behind Apex Minerals' new management team, led by industry stalwart Ed Eshuys, pitching in $17.95 million to increase his stake in the company to just under 20

Newcrest Mining has cut its forecasts for gold and copper production for 2012 after carrying out a major review of its operations.

Paladin Energy has announced it is seeking to raise $US225 million to cover its debts, through the issue of convertible bonds.

Hong Kong-listed Wah Nam International has extended its takeover offer for iron ore explorer Brockman Resources as it seeks to take control of all remaining shares.

Key independent MP Tony Windsor says he is unlikely to support a rumoured change to the diesel fuel rebate in the May budget.

Industrial services company Spotless remains in talks with its private equity suitor, with a deal still not guaranteed.

Shares in industrial equipment maker Bradken plummeted after it cut its profit guidance due to increased costs and lower sales at its rail division.

BGC Contracting has won a $120 million contract to construct an airstrip and internal roads for Hancock Prospecting’s Roy Hill project in the Pilbara.

Gina Rinehart has lost a bid to have her children's multibillion-dollar family trust claim dealt with through confidential mediation and not in open court.

Leighton Holdings subsidiary Thiess will undertake site preparation work at the Chevron-operated Wheatstone gas project in WA after winning a $450 million contract.

Climate change sceptic Ian Plimer has stepped in as chairman of Ivanhoe Australia, replacing Canadian billionaire Robert Friedland who quit the gold and copper miner following a power tussle w

Fortescue Metals Group says axing the federal government's diesel fuel rebate for miners will cost the company up to $US150 million ($A145.30 million) a year.

Andrew Forrest has stepped up his battle with the federal government over the mining tax by releasing details of a compromise package he says was negotiated with former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

Mining giant BHP has denied it's recruiting contract employees to replace retrenched union workers for a Queensland coal mine it closed.

Oil and gas producer Santos has maintained its full year production target after lifting its first quarter production and sales revenue.

Woodside Petroleum's first quarter revenue is up 20 per cent to $US1.2 billion, despite a 10 per cent fall in production due to the impact of cyclones.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accused mining magnate Andrew Forrest of peddling "rehashed old nonsense" about finalising an agreement with Kevin Rudd on a revised mining tax deal in 2010.

Nickel miner Mincor Resources has reported a lift in third quarter output and says it is on track to meet its full year production targets.

Shares in Grange Resources rose after the iron ore pellet producer reported an improvement in first quarter production from its Savage River mine in Tasmania.

 Japan's Chubu Electric Power Company has inked a non-binding deal with Chevron to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US energy giant's Wheatstone project.

Perseus Mining says it is on track to deliver on its gold production targets for the June quarter.

Fortescue Metals Group founder Andrew Forrest says the government needs to build a deeper relationship with China otherwise Australia risks losing opportunities with the Asian superpower.

 Greedy landlords, including the state government, are forcing housing and living costs up across the state's resource-rich regions, harming productivity, iron-ore miner Fortescue Metals Group